Identification and Nutritional Evaluation of Native Forage Species for Establishing Field Gene Bank at Jiri, Dolakha, District

Abstract

Native forage grows naturally on bunds, marginal lands, forestland, swampy land, terrace riser, barren lands and cultivated lands are resilience to environmental stresses such as drought, floods and diseases and are palatable and nutritious to different types of animals. This study was conducted at the Cattle Genetic Resource Center (CGRC) in Jiri, Dolakha, to identify and evaluate native forage species for ex-situ and on-farm conservation, by establishing field gene bank, and potential registration of land races. The study was done by using key informant 
interview, focus group discussions (FGDs), and field surveys. Quadrat sampling was used to assess the preliminary status of production potential of native forage species. Laboratory analysis was conducted to determine their nutrient composition. Based on information obtained from the KIIs and FGD, 14 native forage species such as Furke (Arundinella nepalensis Trin.), Kharuki (Capillipedium assimile), Jere Banso (Setaria pumila), Kurkurae (Equisetum 
ramosissimum), Amrisho (Thysanolaena latifolia), Halhale (Rumex nepalensis Spreng), Sama (Echinochloa colona), Chatre (Cyperus compressus), Siru (Imperata cylindrica), Narkat (Phragmites australis), Majito (Rubia manjith), Dubo (Cynodon dactylon), Kash (Saccharum spontaneum) and Ghogae (Sporbolus fertilis) were documented. Among these, Furke, Kharuki, Jere Banso and Amrisho were identified as the most promising species for the local 
agroclimatic conditions. The forage yield of native forage species ranged from 1.54 to 8.48 t/ha, crude protein content ranged from 6.56 to 9.64 percent and energy content ranged from 3871.22 to 4028.32 kcal/kg. The greater number of native forages should be identified along with the production potential and nutritive value.